Internship Description

About the Organization:

The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) was founded in 1990 by Dr. Laurie Marker. CCF's mission is to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and education on cheetahs and their eco-systems, working with all stakeholders to achieve best practice in the conservation and management of the world's cheetahs. As Namibia has the largest and healthiest population of cheetahs left in the world, CCF's International Research and Education Centre is based in Namibia, near Otjiwarongo.

CCF's stance is that understanding the cheetah's biology and ecology is essential to stabilise the population and manage its sustainability for the future. Its strategy to save the wild cheetah is a three-pronged process of research, conservation and education, beginning with long-term studies to understand and monitor the factors affecting the cheetah's survival. Results of these studies are used to develop conservation policies and programmes to sustain its populations. CCF actively works with local, national and international communities to raise awareness, communicate, educate and train. Some of CCF's approaches include:

1. conducting intensive scientific research and publishing papers on research findings--in cheetah genetics, biology, ecology, health and reproduction, human impact, and species survival, including assistance with the management of captive and free-ranging cheetah throughout the world. CCF also develops and implements non-lethal predator control and other better livestock management practices. These include CCF's Livestock Guarding Dog Programme, and the relocation of problem cheetahs, which attempt to eliminate the need for ranchers to kill cheetah.
2. creating and managing long-term conservation strategies for the cheetah throughout their range. CCF researchers develop, test, and promote alternative land-management practices such as conservancy development, and eco-tourism.
3. carrying out local and international conservation education programmes to illustrate ways in which the species can be protected, by addressing community upliftment and predator-conflict resolution. CCF also creates and disseminates education materials worldwide.
4. building capacity in countries that still harbour cheetah populations. The international programme currently includes distributing CCF materials, lending resources and support, and providing training throughout Africa and the rest of the world.

CCF's work to save the wild cheetah and its wilderness habitat is successful because it works on all aspects of the cheetah's plight, through education and public outreach, applied conservation biology and management, public policy, and science and research.

Local Activities:
The internship site is CCF's African bush and research center in Namibia.

Job Description:
Interns are expected to participate in a variety of general tasks and operations of the program. An additional focus area is assigned based on the student's background and interests. Hands-on work with the cheetah and other wildlife is sporadic. Therefore, interns are assigned general tasks including administrative work (data entry, record keeping, correspondence, reports and fundraising), education programs (teacher training, presentations, school talks), and animal care (domestic animals and occasionally cheetahs).

Additional Information:

http://www.cheetah.org  
Click here for CCF article from the Oregonian
Click here for CCF article from Smithsonian Magazine, February 2008
Click here to read excerpts from an intern's journal, including photos
Click here for more photos

Start Date:
Beginning of every academic quarter, including summer:  January, April, July, and  October

Duration:
3 months 

Number of Positions:
1 per term

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:
Biology, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Studies/Science, Wildlife Science, Business/Marketing, GIS/Spatial Analysis, Agriculture Science including livestock and farming ( particularly olive and grape projects). Ph.D. candidate in Genetics also highly desired. Interns with skills and interests in non-profit management, fundraising and education are also sought.

Skills/Experience:
Computer and/ or  graphic design skills a plus.  Animal handling experience. 

Language Requirement:
English. Interns with some German language skills are sought to work with the large volume of German-speaking visitors to CCF.

Other Requirements:
Students must be flexible and willing to work up to seven days a week with long hours. Living and working conditions are typical of a rural area in a developing country.  All interns going to African countries are required to visit the Sudent Health Center on their home campus, or another clinic with information on international travel, to obtain information on required and recommended immunizations and health care precautions for travel to African countries.  Students should visit their campus travel clinic and obtain health information at least 3 months prior to their proposed departure date, as some immunizations require multiple visits over a period of months or weeks.  Please contact your campus coordinator for further information.

Internship Costs

Program Fees:
The program fee includes tuition, internship site development and placement, pre-departure orientation, international health insurance, internship monitoring and follow-up.
Click here for application information, including the program fee, for your school.
Note: The program fee does not include airfare, housing, living expenses or any other estimated costs noted below.


Note:
Any financial or in-kind support provided by the host organization is explicitly indicated.

Compensation:
None.

Accommodation:
Dormitory rooms on site. Intern pays  $3750 for room and board for ten weeks. Not covered by employer.

International Travel:
Approximately $3,000 roundtrip.

Cost of Living:
Plan for $200/month in addition to room and board charge.

Budget Note:
Applicants should use these estimates for preliminary budgeting purposes.
IE3 will issue an official budget after acceptance by the host organization.

Application Information

Academic Credit:
Up to 12 credits available as per arrangement with supervising department.

Application Materials:
IE3 is a program of the Oregon University System.
Students from participating partner universities are also eligible to apply.
Click here for application information and select your school from the list.

Created/Revised:10/22/07